Census: Michigan's population has grown for first time in 7 years

DETROIT – Michigan had it's first population increase in seven years in 2012, census officials said Thursday.

Michigan was overtaken by Georgia as the nation's eighth largest state. 

If recent rates of growth continue in the Sunbelt, Michigan will be passed by North Carolina in 2014. 

Michigan had been the eighth largest state since being passed by Florida in 1979.

Michigan's held its highest ranking (seventh) from the 1920 Census until 1979. 

Michigan's new population estimates are:

• 2010 --  9,877,670               
• 2011 --  9,876,801               
• 2012 --  9,883,360 

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